Bristow appoints Russell Torbet as director of UK SAR

Bristow Helicopters Limited has announced the appointment of Russell Torbet CBE to the role of director of UK SAR. From 1 August, he will take responsibility for overseeing the operation of the civilian search and rescue (SAR) service on behalf of HM Coastguard. Torbet replaces Samantha Willenbacher who has been promoted to Bristow Group’s regional director for the Americas Region.

Torbet joined Bristow in 2013 as project manager UK SAR, following a 32-year career in the UK Royal Air Force where he attained the rank of Air Commodore.

Bristow Helicopters director of Europe Caspian Region Alan Corbett said: “Russ has demonstrated tremendous leadership as project manager for UK SAR. He has successfully delivered key milestones of the project on time and within budget, and worked effectively with the Department for Transport, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and members of various government groups. Highly skilled and greatly experienced, Russ is respected by those that work with him.” He added: “I would like to extend my best wishes to Sam for continued success in her new position at Bristow. Sam has played an invaluable role in the successful start of UK SAR, and she will be dearly missed by her colleagues in the UK.”